The DeKalb County Emergency Response and Public Safety (ERPS) Committee convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the transition to a new communication system for emergency services. The meeting focused on the ongoing installation of new equipment by AT&T, staff readiness, and training schedules as the county prepares for a significant system upgrade.

The meeting began with an update on the installation process, where it was noted that AT&T is actively replacing old equipment with new systems, working on-site several days a week. Committee members inquired about the impact of this installation on staffing levels. It was confirmed that the department remains fully staffed during this transition, ensuring that emergency response capabilities are not compromised.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the transition to the new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. The committee emphasized the importance of a seamless transfer of information from the 911 call system to the CAD system, referred to as a "spillover." Meetings with third-party vendors have been held to ensure that this transition occurs smoothly, with no loss of audio recordings or data during the switch.

Operational readiness testing is scheduled for the week of July 28, which will verify that all systems are functioning correctly and that staff can send and receive calls effectively. The committee clarified that the official launch date for taking live 911 calls on the new system is set for August 13, 2025. Prior to this, test calls will be conducted to ensure readiness.

Training for staff is also a priority, with approximately 85% of employees having completed an online training module. On-site training is scheduled for the week of August 4, designed to refresh staff knowledge just before the system goes live. The training will be structured to minimize disruption to regular operations, with adjustments made to staff schedules to accommodate training without affecting call response times.

The committee concluded the meeting by reaffirming the August 13 launch date, pending any unforeseen issues. All vendors involved in the transition will be present to provide support during the cutover period, ensuring that staff have the necessary resources to address any challenges that may arise.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the proactive steps being taken by DeKalb County to enhance its emergency response capabilities through improved technology and training, with a clear focus on maintaining service continuity throughout the transition.